Ben durum wheat was released by the North Dakota Agriculture Experiment Station
in 1996 and seed was distributed through the ND Seed Increase Program in
1997. Ben has very strong straw strength in comparison to Renville
and Monroe. Ben is higher yielding than Monroe and equal to or higher than
Renville. Ben is similar to Renville and Monroe in height, heading date and
slightly higher in test weight. None of the currently available durum varieties
have resistance to scab. Ben has a good quality rating.

Ben was named in honor of 'Ben Hoag' former agronomist and director of the
North Central Experiment Station at Minot, in recognition of his contributions
to North Dakota agricultrue.

Application has been made for Plant Variety Protection (PVP) under Title
V and can be sold only as a class of certified seed.